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Tag: Kayode Egbetokun

  • IGP unseal Rivers council secretariats

    IGP unseal Rivers council secretariats

    The Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun has directed the immediate unsealing of all Local Government Council Secretariats in Rivers State.

    The secretariats, Egbetokun said, were sealed when violence erupted in the State over who control the councils between elected chairmen whose tenure expired and caretaker committee inaugurated by the State Government which matter was pending in court.

    He said: “The unsealing yesterday 06/10/24 after the police received the report that elected chairmen has been sworn in by the state government”.

    The decision to unseal the Local Government Secretariats, the IGP said, was informed by the need to maintain neutrality in the political development in the state and allowing smooth functioning of democratic institutions in the state. 

    The IGP condemned the spate of violent confrontations and attacks at some local government secretariats leading to destruction of government facilities in the state, immediately after the unsealing of the secretariats.

    He also directed the Commissioner of police to rise up to the occasion 

    and restore law and order in the state

    The IGP emphasised the Force’s commitment to maintaining law and order, upholding democratic principles, and fostering peace, unity, and progress across the nation.

    The police boss reaffirmed that he acted inline with court order on the saga before the election.

    He said Rivers State Governor’s outburst over the incident was unwarranted.

    A statement  on Monday by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi reads.in part : “For the avoidance of doubts, the general public is free to profile the career journey of the Inspector-General of Police, and his track record in every place he has served, which undoubtedly show him as a man of honor, integrity and focus before and after his assumption of office as the 22nd Indigenous Inspector General of Police of Nigeria. 

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    “The IGP is very well respected in the Association of Chiefs of Police, World Wide, particularly in Africa where he’s currently serving as the Chairman of the West African Police Chiefs Committee (WAPCCO) and providing meritorious leadership within the West African Chiefs of Police. We have seen Chiefs of Police from accross the world coming to attend his events in Nigeria and extending several invitations to him. For the first time, the president of Interpol was at the opening ceremony of the Nigeria Police conference and retreat in Owerri, last year under this IGP. Let us please observe some decorum in our politics in Nigeria. 

    “It is also instructive to note that the NPF does not intend to engage in any form of media tussle or war with the person of the Executive Governor of Rivers State, his administration or his political affiliations but will continued to play its role as a neutral body in all forms of political activities undistracted. Similarly, suffice to say that the Local Government elections were generally peaceful nation wide especially in states where the Police were in charge of security. 

    “In the same vein, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, directed the immediate unsealing of all Local Government Council Secretariats in Rivers State which were previously sealed when violence erupted in the state over who control the local government secretariat between elected chairmen whose tenure expired and caretaker committee inaugurated by the state government which matter was pending in court. The unsealing yesterday 06/10/24 after the police received the report that elected chairmen has been sworn in by the state government. The decision to unseal the Local Government Secretariats was informed by the need to maintain neutrality in the political development in the state and allowing smooth functioning of democratic institutions in the state.”

  • Police to enrol in employees compensation scheme, says IG

    Police to enrol in employees compensation scheme, says IG

    Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun has said men and officers of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) will be enrolled on the Employees Compensation Scheme (ECS) to provide additional social benefits to the force.

    Egbetokun announced this when the Managing Director of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF), Oluwaseun Faleye, led the executive and senior management of the agency on an advocacy visit to Force Headquarters (FHQ) at the weekend in Abuja.

    The IGP, who praised Faleye for the “radical changes” he has brought to the NSITF since assumption of duties, said the Force will actively partner the NSITF to also ensure compliance with the ECS among the public and private sector employers. 

    In a statement yesterday by NSITF’s General Manager for Corporate Affairs, Nwachukwu Godson, the IGP said: “I listened to you and want to assure you that I have taken note of everything you said, all the issues you raised. From now on, we are going to work together to make sure that the Nigerian Police Force becomes active partners with the NSITF. We are going to contribute to the scheme. We will do everything possible. Whatever that is stopping the NPF from contributing to the NSITF, we have to look into it and make sure that it works this time round.

    “Then, with respect to your enforcement drive, please count on us that we will support you all the way. I have been monitoring your activities since you came in as the MD of the NSITF and I know that you have brought radical changes to the fund.

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    “So, I congratulate you for the good job you are doing at NSITF. I want to assure that the Nigerian Police Force will partner with you.”

    Faleye faulted the absence of compliance by the police on the ECS but expressed optimism that the intervention of the IGP would turn a new page in the partnership between the NSITF and the NPF.

    The NSITF boss hailed the NPF for the sacrifices its officers make to secure the nation.

    He said: “We are here to show our appreciation first and foremost as Nigerians for the efforts of the leadership of the NPF in securing the nation.

    “Secondly, were are here to engage with the leadership of the NPF on the core mandate of the NSITF: to see how to collaborate and extend the numerous benefits of our social insurance cover to the rank and file of the police in line with our mandate.

  • Police to enroll in employees compensation scheme – IGP

    Police to enroll in employees compensation scheme – IGP

    The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has said that men and officers of the Nigeria Police Force would be enrolled in the Employees Compensation Scheme (ECS) to provide additional social benefits to the Force.

    The Inspector General gave the assurance at the weekend when the Managing Director of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF), Oluwaseun Faleye led the executive and senior management of the agency on an advocacy visit to Force Headquarters, Abuja.

    Egbetokun, who commended the new Managing Director for the “radical changes” he has brought to the NSITF since assumption of duties, said the Force will actively partner with the NSITF to also ensure compliance with the ECS among the public and private sector employers. 

    In a statement issued on Sunday, October 6, by the General Manager, Corporate Affairs of the NSITF, Nwachukwu Godson, the IGP said: “I listened to you and want to assure you that I have taken note of everything you said, all the issues you raised. From now on, we are going to work together to make sure that the Nigerian Police Force becomes active partners with the NSITF. We are going to contribute to the Scheme. We will do everything possible. Whatever is stopping the NPF from contributing to the NSITF, we have to look into it and make sure that it works this time around.

    “Then, with respect to your enforcement drive, please count on us that we will support you all the way. I have been monitoring your activities since you came in as the MD of the NSITF and I know that you have brought radical changes to the Fund. So, I congratulate you for all the good job you are doing at NSITF. I want to assure you that the Nigerian Police Force will partner with you.”

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    In his remarks, Faleye noted the absence of compliance from the Police in respect of the ECS but expressed optimism that the intervention of the IG will turn a new page in partnership between the NSITF and the Police.

    He commended the Force for the sacrifices its officers made to secure the nation.

    Faleye said: “We are here to state our appreciation first and foremost as Nigerians for the efforts of the leadership of the Nigerian Police Force in securing the nation.

    “Secondly is to engage with the leadership of the Nigerian Police Force on the core mandate of the NSITF and that is to see how to collaborate, extend the numerous benefits of our social insurance cover to the rank and file of the Police in line with our mandate.

    “As some of you may be aware, the NSITF is mandated by law to implement the Employees’ Compensation Scheme under which it pays claims and compensations for injuries, diseases, or death which may occur in the course of work. But these benefits can only be accessed by workers enrolled by their employers.

    “Over the years, we have been at the forefront of providing these various benefits which include disability benefits, death benefits, medical expenses refund, loss of productivity payment, and rehabilitation of accident victims to fit into a new skill in situations where the employee can’t go back to his original employment. 

    “We also take care of the dependents of the deceased enrollee until the last child attains the age of 21 or graduates from the university but this is on the condition that the beneficiary is dependent on the deceased.

    “These benefits have significant effects on productivity because if the rank and file know that when injury or death arises from the course of work, their families and dependents will be compensated under the NSITF Act, gallantry will increase, confidence will be imbued, thus resulting in higher productivity. 

    “Beyond the financial benefits, there are also health benefits aligned with our occupational safety and awareness activities aimed to promote health and safety in workplaces, thereby preventing accidents. This accident prevention is the first step in the ECS process.

    “We therefore feel that there is no institution better deserving of this social security cover than the Nigerian Police Force; hence elated by the assurance by the Inspector General that the police will come on board the ECS soon.”

    Those at the meeting included the Deputy Inspector General in charge of Finance and Administration, Bala Ciroma, Deputy Inspector General in charge of Operations, Ede Ayuba, Deputy Inspector General of research and Planning, Yahaya Abubakar, and Assistant Inspector General, Rhoda Adetutu among others. 

    Others are the Executive Director of Finance & Investment, Mr. Adegoke Adedeji, and the Executive Director of Administration, Prof. Gabriel Okenwa, and other senior management members of the NSITF.

  • IGP’s four-year appointment lawful – Force PRO

    IGP’s four-year appointment lawful – Force PRO

    The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) on Friday cleared the air on the rumoured tenure extension for Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun.

     NPF stated that the IGP’s four-year appointment is in line with extant legal provisions and not a recent development. 

     The Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi while reacting to the development through a statement issued said there was no extension granted by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

     Adejobi said: “The attention of the Nigeria Police Force has been drawn to various misleading reports and misinterpretations concerning the tenure of the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, and wishes to categorically state that what His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, approved for the IGP is not an extension of tenure, but rather the proper application of the law governing the tenure of the office of the IGP.

     “Contrary to the misinformation being circulated on social media and in the news, an appointment letter in circulation was issued to the IGP shortly after his appointment was confirmed by the Police Council. This letter, dated 3rd November 2023, clearly stated that the President had approved a four-year tenure for the IGP in accordance with the provisions of Section 215(a) and Section 28(c) of the Third Schedule of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended).

     “It is important to emphasize that the IGP does not need to lobby for any tenure extension as his appointment letter explicitly grants him a four-year tenure from the date of his appointment. The ongoing circulation of false information is clearly the handiwork of pessimists and mischief makers who are determined to spread baseless narratives against the office and the personality of the IGP for obvious reasons and pecuniary gains.

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     “Furthermore, the IGP has since been issued with another letter in accordance with the provisions of the Police Act, 2020 (as amended), which supersedes the earlier correspondence. This clarification is necessary to put an end to the speculations and falsehoods being spread.

     “We urge the public to disregard the unfounded reports and to trust that the tenure of the IGP is in full compliance with the laws governing the Nigeria Police Force. In clear terms, the IGP’s tenure of office is not subject to unnecessary debate and should not be a source of perennial distraction to the policing system in Nigeria. The law is sacrosanct”.

  • Rescue of 27 kidnapped victims: IGP calls for synergy between security operatives, stakeholders

    Rescue of 27 kidnapped victims: IGP calls for synergy between security operatives, stakeholders

    …Commends NSA, security agencies

    The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has urged security agencies and stakeholders to always synergise to tackle insecurity.

    The development, Egbetokun said is in pursuit of an all-inclusive policing strategy.

    Egbetokun urged citizens to engage actively in national security and development initiatives.

    He said the call aims to foster a shift towards modern policing and to promote socioeconomic and political advancement in Nigeria.

    The IGP advocated for citizen volunteerism and an individualistic approach to social and security restructuring in the country.

    The IGP made the call at the Force Headquarters on Tuesday while reflecting on and appraising the effectiveness of the well-coordinated operations placed for the rescue of the 20 (twenty) medical students who were kidnapped in Benue State on the 15th of August 2024, and other 7 (seven) Nigerians who had been in the captivity of the heinous criminals.

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    He emphasised the importance of collaboration among all stakeholders, including the Police, other security agencies, and government entities at all levels, to realize the vision of a new Nigeria characterized by enhanced national security and good governance for all.

    According to a statement issued on Tuesday by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi: “The Inspector-General of Police also emphatically appreciates the personal role and steadfastness of the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, for his unalloyed support to the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies in the rescuing of our beloved children and citizens of Nigeria. The IGP acknowledges the NSA’s dedication to lending a helping hand to security forces in fulfilling their constitutional responsibilities of safeguarding the lives and property of Nigerian citizens, as well as upholding law and order throughout the nation.

    “In the same vein, the Inspector-General of Police extends sincere gratitude to the officers affiliated with the office of the National Security Adviser, the military, and other security personnel, as well as the local community members who actively participated in the rescue operation, along with numerous similar efforts throughout the nation. Their contributions are praiseworthy and play a crucial role in ensuring the safety of Nigeria and its citizens”.

    He reaffirmed the dedication of the Police, under his leadership, to assiduously emplace a Police Force that is professionally competent, rule-of-law compliant, service-driven, and people-friendly.

    Egbetokun assured the public of the safe rescue of all Nigerians in captivity across the country, adding: “This is our pledge, and we will ensure its fulfillment.”

  • Lobbying for IG Egbetokun’s seat hots up

    Lobbying for IG Egbetokun’s seat hots up

    The race to succeed Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun has intensified as his retirement draws near.

    Egbetokun, appointed on June 19, last year, is due to bow out of service on September 4 when he will turn 60.

    However, there is uncertainty over whether he will go on that date or enjoy an extension of stay in line with the amendment to the Police Act.

    The amendment, an Executive Bill, passed by the two chambers of the National Assembly on July 31, allows the President to extend the tenure of an IG beyond 35 years in service or 60 years of age, depending on which one comes earlier, to enable the sitting IG spend his full four-year tenure.

    The passed bill is, however, yet to be signed by the President to become an act.

    This hazy situation has created tension in the high command of the police with some officers from Commissioners of Police (CPs), Assistant Inspectors-General (AIGs) and Deputy Inspectors-General (DIGs) cadres, lobbying intensely for the IG’s position.

    Some sources in the police said not signing the amendment to the Police Act by the President, will make it impossible for Egbetokun to continue in office.

    Others said there is still time between now and September for the President to sign the amendment in which case it will become law and the IG might benefit from it, should the President extend his tenure.

    Yet, others said should the President signed the amendment and it becomes law, it ought not to take a retroactive effect, which means Egbetokun should not benefit from it.

    There are eight DIGs, 46 AIGs and 125 CPs. Four of the seven DIGs are due to retire between September and December.

    The retirement dates for the DIGs are Bala Ciroma (3/3/2025); Emeka Frank Mba (18/5/2027); Sylvester Abiodun Alabi (31/12/2024); Daniel Sokari-Pedro (18/12/2024); Ede Ayuba Ekpeji (21/10/2024); Bello Makwashi Maradun (25/12/2024); Dasuki Danbappa Galadanchi (3/3/2025); and Sahabo Abubakar Yahaya (15/9/2025).

    Although the IGP enlisted in the Nigeria Police Force on March 3rd 1990, the Act says officer shall retire after serving for “35 years or until he attains the age of 60 years, whichever is earlier.”

    It was learnt that the IGP has tied his retirement fate to the final decision of the President.

    The amendment, which is creating tension in police, was the inclusion of Section 18(8A) by both the Senate and the House of Representatives in the Nigeria Police Act, 2020.

    Section 18(8A) of the Nigeria Police Act 2020 was amended as follows:

    “Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (8) of this section, any person appointed to the office of Inspector-General of Police shall remain in office until the end of the term stipulated in the letter of appointment in line with the provisions of Section 7(6) of this Act.

    The new amendment allows the President to retain an IGP after serving for either 35 years or attaining 60 years.

    The law also pegs the tenure of any IGP to the four-year term of his or her appointment as stipulated in the letter given to him or her by the President.

    A source said: “Despite the fact that the President has not spoken or assented to the new bill, some senior police officers have started lobbying.  They include some DIGs, AIGs and even Commissioners of Police.

    “Some of them are jostling for the office in anticipation of a comprehensive overhaul of the NPF structure. We have had precedents in the system before.”

    The source added: “There is suspense within the Force. No one knows if the four DIGs, who are due for retirement on or before December 25th, will benefit from the new law or not.”

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     Another source said  some officers are alleging that tenure extension for Egbetokun may deny them required promotion or lead to stunted  career growth.

    The source  further explained: “There is uneasy calm in the Police on whether or not the IGP will get tenure extension by virtue of the amendment to the Nigeria Police Act.

    “Tenure extension in the twilight of retirement may lead to a distortion of the system. It will expose the police system to lobbying and desperation to get to positions whether deserving or not.

    “Some of those in line to succeed Egbetokun believe that tenure extension will be  unfair to them. They believe the President should not apply a law at the last minutes.”

    But another source said: “I think the President is weighing options in the best interest of the country and the Nigeria Police.

    “The President is the Commander-In Chief of the Armed Forces. He determines the security architecture of the country. In the light of the amendment to the Nigeria Police Act, he has the prerogative to ask Egbetokun to complete a four-year tenure or proceed on retirement.

    “Let us wait till after his assent to the Bill. But any decision he takes now has a legal basis. In the past, the tenure of some IGPs attracted court cases.”

    Part 111 Section 7 (6) of the Act, which repealed the Police Act Cap. P19, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004, prescribed a four-year single tenure for a person appointed to the office of the IGP subject to the provisions of clause 18 (8), which stipulates that every police officer shall, on recruitment or appointment, serve in the Nigeria Police Force for 35 years or until he attains the age of 60 years, whichever is earlier.

    This is not the first time the Nigeria Police Force will be thrown into tenure  extension controversy.

    Ex-President Muhammadu Buhari extended the tenure of Suleman Adamu as IGP.

    Former IGP Usman Baba also enjoyed the same privilege from Buhari.

    Baba turned 60 and due to retire on March 2023, but he stayed in office until President Tinubu took over power from Buhari and named Egbetokun as his successor three months later.

  • IGP assures Nigerians of improved security

    IGP assures Nigerians of improved security

    …as military vows to restore full oil production, warns oil thieves

    Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has assured Nigerians of improved security measures, stating that crime rates are declining across the country.

    This comes days before a planned nationwide protest against insecurity and food crisis.

    Egbetokun spoke after a routine security meeting with President Bola Tinubu at the State House, Abuja, where he presented security briefs and received commendation from the President.

    He further disclosed that President Tinubu charged the various security formations to improve their synergy in securing the country.

    The police chief attributed the decline in crime rates to effective synergy and strategies implemented by security agencies. He vowed to sustain efforts to maintain the downward trend in crime rates.

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    “It was a routine security meeting we had with Mr. President where we had the opportunity of giving him security briefs. We’ve been doing this regularly.

    “Mr. President is happy with what we are doing, he’s satisfied with our reports and he has challenged us to continue to work together and improve our synergy.

    “As the Inspector-General Police, I have the records of all reported crimes across the country and I can tell you that crime rate is declining in Nigeria. Records don’t lie, the records are there.

    “So, I can assure you that we’ll continue to do whatever we are doing to maintain the decline in the crime rate”, Egbetokun said.

    Also speaking to journalists after the meeting, the Chief of Defense Staff, General Christopher Musa, assured Nigerians that the military is taking steps to restore full oil production, targeting 2.1 million barrels per day.

    He warned criminals involved in infrastructure destruction and crude oil theft that their days are numbered, and that the military will come after them.

    He emphasized the need for collective effort to achieve success, urging all stakeholders, including states and communities, to work together to restore full production.

    He acknowledged the challenges faced by communities and assured that the President would address these issues to ensure uninterrupted oil production.

    General Musa stated that the President is aware of the concerns of communities affected by oil production and has vowed to address their grievances.

    “Very well, as usual, you know Nigeria relies a lot on what we produce and his mandate, like we mentioned days back, is for us to restore full production. We are targeting 2.1 million barrels per day, which is achievable. So, we’re taking steps to ensure that all that is required to be done is done.

    “The President is fully aware of the cries and hues of the communities and he’s not going to let them down. The communities should rest assured that steps are going to be taken to address their grievances so that production will continue.

    “For the criminals, those that are hell-bent on destroying our infrastructure, stealing our crude for whatever reason, the days are numbered. They should be rest assured that we’re coming after them.

    “I want to assure Nigerians that we all need to put hands together to achieve this success. Nobody can do it alone. No single service, no single individual can do this, we all need to work together, including the states.

    “We understand that communities are going through so much and the President is going to address those issues to ensure that we have full production”, Musa said.

    Also, at the meeting were the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu; Director-General of the Department of State Service (DSS) Yusuf Bichi; Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Ahmed Rufa’i Abubakar; Comptroller-General of the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS), Kemi Nanna Nandap, and others.

  • Operational efficiency: Police to launch green initiative

    Operational efficiency: Police to launch green initiative

    The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) will launch the Nigeria Police Green Initiative (NPGI), a groundbreaking sustainable development programme designed to enhance the operational efficiency and capacity of the Force.

    The development is part of moves by the Inspector General of Police (IG) Kayode Egbetokun towards improved policing services.

    A statement yesterday by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, reads: “The NPGI aims to integrate green innovative solutions into policing operations, thereby supporting the renewed hope and economic reformation plan of President Bola Tinubu. It is also to bolster efforts to fight crime, maintain law and order, and accord significant corporate social responsibilities to Nigerians to solidify the cooperation between the police and communities.

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    “The NPGI will be officially launched July 9 at the Nigeria Police Resource Centre in Jabi, Abuja. The theme is ‘Leveraging Climate Mitigation and Adaptation for Increasing the Operational Efficiency of the Nigeria Police Force and Socio-economic Development of Nigeria’,  emphasising the response of the NPF to the need to adopt sustainable practices that not only improve operational capabilities, but also contribute to the broader socio-economic development of our country.

    “The initiative is convened with the support of NEA Energie Limited, a leading climate change investment and sustainable development firm. President Tinubu is the Special Guest of Honour.”

  • IG, Dubai Police partner on security

    IG, Dubai Police partner on security

    The Inspector-General of Police (IG) Kayode Egbetokun, yesterday deliberated with officers of the Dubai Police on how to best secure both countries.

    The IG received the Dubai delegation at the Force Headquarters in Abuja.

    According to Egbetokun, the meeting is a significant step towards fostering multi-faceted security cooperation between Nigeria and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

    During the meeting, the IG emphasised the importance of collaboration in ensuring the safety and protection of citizens from both countries, noting that a considerable number of Nigerians live, work, and conduct business in Dubai, while many UAE nationals reside and engage in business activities in Nigeria. “As such, an enhanced cooperation is essential to safeguard the interests of both nations’ citizens,” he noted.

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    As Chairman of the West African Police Chiefs Committee (WAPCCO), Egbetokun highlighted the strategic importance of this visit in strengthening policing partnerships, not only between Nigeria and Dubai, but also across West Africa. He expressed his commitment to leveraging this opportunity to foster improved security collaborations which will benefit the entire sub-region.

    A statement by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the Dubai Police delegation, led by Brig.-Gen. Adel Ahmad Sanqoor, Assistant of the General Director of Criminal Investigations, thanked the IG for the warm reception and reiterated their commitment to working closely with the Nigeria Police Force in the various areas of mutual interest, including intelligence sharing, joint training programs, and technological advancements in policing.

    The meeting concluded with a renewed pledge to deepen security ties and explore new avenues for cooperation to enhance the safety and well-being of citizens in both countries and across West Africa.

  • IG suspends special promotion, warns against political interference

    IG suspends special promotion, warns against political interference

    • Vows to ensure transparency in promotion process

    The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, yesterday cautioned Police officers soliciting undeserved promotion.

    Egbetokun who expressed displeasure over the development said most of the officers used to go through highly placed personalities to do the soliciting.

     He warned that any officer subsequently caught engaging  in the act will be penalized according to the law.

    The IGP gave the warning while decorating 27 newly promoted senior officers of the Police Force in Abuja.

    He advised the newly promoted officers to live up to expectation and be a good example to other officers.

     At the outset of the present administration, the police boss said he had announced the suspension of special promotions to ensure a fair, equitable and transparent promotion process.

     The IGP said the same punishment applies to officers also soliciting preferential posting.

     Egbetokun added: “While we acknowledge that exceptional circumstances may warrant special promotions, we will take appropriate and expedient action when necessary. We will revisit this decision at the right time and make exceptions where deserved, balancing individual merit with the need for a fair and equitable process.

     “Consequently, the current promotion exercise, like those preceding it under this administration, adheres strictly to the fundamental principles of seniority and merit. I wish to reaffirm unequivocally that our promotion process will continue to be transparent and fair to all our officers. No officer eligible for promotion will be denied their rightful advancement.

    “I would like to take this opportunity to issue a stern warning to unscrupulous officers who are attempting to undermine our merit-based promotion system, for personal gain. I urge them to cease lobbying for special promotions through influential persons and external forces.

    “From now on, severe disciplinary action will be taken against any officer found guilty of soliciting underserved promotions through illicit means, masquerading as special promotions. This also applies to officers soliciting preferential posting. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the newly promoted Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Assistant Inspectors-General of Police, and Commissioners of Police. This marks the Commencement of an exciting chapter in your professional journeys. I remind you that promotions are earned by those who maintain unwavering focus on their objectives.

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     “Wear your new ranks with pride, and let them serve as constant reminders of the trust and confidence reposed in you. Strive daily to meet the high standards expected of you. Lead with courage, act with integrity, and serve with dedication. Remember, Promotions may come and go, but your hard work will leave a lasting legacy. Also, recognize that you are supervisors and trainers of men; all subordinate officers look to you for guidance and mentorship. The quality of your decisions, actions, and inactions will determine the quality of the training you impart to them.

     “At this juncture, I express my deepest gratitude to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his unwavering support and leadership. Your commitment to the welfare and development of the Nigeria Police Force is profoundly appreciated. I also extend my appreciation to the Chairman and staff of the Police Service Commission for their timely attention in processing and approving the promotion list.”